Integrated GPS functionality allows the user to take images with GPS coordinates allowing the location where the photos were taken to be pin pointed and shared with friends and family via maps and photo sharing sites. The camera comes with a DVD that has map data on the disc that can be copied to the camera’s memory card to allow the user to get information on points of interest that are nearby.

The camera has a 14.1 megapixel resolution and uses a high-sensitivity MOS sensor for higher image quality. The camera can shoot bursts at 10 frames per second at full resolution. Video is recorded in 1080p resolution in AVCHD format. The rear LCD is a 3 inch Smart Touch LCD with 460,000 dot resolution. The camera has a number of touch features, including a touch shutter feature. The camera can upload videos via a USB cable to Facebook. Panasonic will sell the camera for $349.99 starting in March.

The technology in this implementation can transfer a full DVD video from the tablet to the in-car system in only 60 seconds on a 60Hz frequency band, boasting data transfer rates of up to 7Gbps. That’s pretty impressive considering the much touted high-speed Thunderbolt wired ports offer 10Gbps transfer speeds, though bi-directional.

However, the wireless range is limited to 1 to 3 meters, which means it won’t be replacing current WiFi standards, which can offer a range of up to 30 meters. But in Panasonic’s in-vehicle application, the technology could offer great entertainment solutions. The company hopes to commercialize the WiGig SD cards for in-vehicle use by summer of 2013.

[via TechCrunch]

Olympus is in need of $1.7bn in capital, having been rocked by an accounting scandal that has seen half of its board of directors actually being sued by the company itself. The board plans to dissolve and make room for a fresh batch of execs by the end of April, but still remains under investigation for its part in hiding over a decade’s worth of losses.

According to previous leaks, Olympus had already drawn up a shortlist of possible minority stakeholders that management believed would be a good fit. The list – believed to consist of Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Terumo Corp (a medical equipment firm and an existing minority stakeholder) and Fujifilm Holdings.

Samsung has already revealed it has a new taste for healthcare specialists, with the Korean firm looking to diversify its footprint beyond its existing segments – the company has said a similar thing about its software competitiveness in IT - though a company spokesperson has said no formal offer from Olympus has been received. What might happen to the Olympus camera business, which launched several new models including superzooms and point-and-shoots this past week at CES, is unclear.

[via 43 Rumors]

With Panasonic as its partner, Myspace is being given a chance to revive its tarnished image with Myspace TV. As other social networking sites were seeing nothing but an increase in users over the last few years, Myspace has only seen their numbers dwindling. Even though Facebook has been victim of complaints for changing design, Myspace, with already dwindling numbers, was hurt even more with their questionable redesign.

Myspace TV lets users interact differently while watching TV by talking to friends or sharing videos. While watching live TV you can use your laptop, tablet or even the TV screen to talk with others. If you’re interested in the latest craze and want to see what other users are watching, Myspace TV will determine what is popularly viewed. Myspace TV in conjunction with the the Myspace Companion App, will filter its suggestions based on your own interests.

[via VenturBeat]

The cheapest is the PT-LX26HU, which makes due with a 2600 lumen lamp and a maximum resolution of 1024×768. Its brother the PT-LX30HU bumps up the lumens to 3000 with a $1099 price tag, but everything else remains the same. If you’re up for a wider experience in your semi-portable projection lifestyle, the PT-LW25HU increases the resolution to 1280×800 with a 16:10 aspect ration, but the lumen rating is lowered to 2500. The more cinematic of the three newbies retails for $899.

Panasonic claims up to 4,000 hours of use before the lamp needs replacing, and you can use the company’s proprietary Multi Projector Monitoring and Control Software to operate the controls remotely. Real-Time Keystone correction allows the image to square itself automatically. The new models should be available immediately at Panasonic’s retail partners, and it looks like they’re showing up an a few online retailers as well, at a significant discount in some cases.

That will include being both waterproof and dustproof, something many Japanese handsets offer but only rare “ruggedized” variants – usually lacking in specs and functionality – do in North America and Europe. The ultra-slim model shown here will be the reference design on which Panasonic bases a number of new models, targeting 1.5m European sales in 2012 alone.

That will be followed by a growing international release, spreading across Asia and into North America, with the eventual goal being 9m sales in 2016 across Europe, Asia, China, and the United States. The smartphone market – and particularly the Android segment – is hotly contested now, and the Panasonic will have to bring its best game if it wants to compete.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

It would be an easy guess to have Panasonic working in Android smartphones, the company has already offered up a couple Android tablets. The last time a Panasonic smartphone was sold outside Japan was back in 2005. Panasonic is said to be targeting “several” countries. There is no word on what other countries it will be looking at.

With Europe and the US as the main consumers of high-end smartphones, perhaps we will see the brand come back to the US. Panasonic isn’t commenting on the hunt right now, but I am sure once it lands a firm and starts the push we will hear all about it.

[via PRWeek]

Of course it’s awesome when technology is standardized, just so long as its the best option for consumers. One example of this going RIGHT, if I do say so myself, is when it was decided that microUSB seemed like the best idea for Smartphones. Another example, this time when things went wrong, is when video cassette was chosen over Betamax, the latter being the CLEAR superior if you ask me. Now what we’ve got here is the pushing of the XPAND 3D format of 3D glasses, one that uses 3D active shutters to attain the effect it needs to bring you 3D. Both Bluetooth enabled radio frequency system 3D active glasses technology and infrared are licensed within the program as well.

This battle has been brewing for many years – have a peek at a 2009 post by Shane McGlaun which addresses this same topic and even goes so far as to have an old pair of XPAND 3D glasses as its main image. Back then it was the battle between XPAND 3D and RealD 3D. Certainly this battle is about to get rather ugly with backers such as the ones in this newest initiative.

This again marks the successful launching of the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative licensing program, this meaning that anyone who wants to get in on the party with the “Full HD 3D Glasses” branding will need to get their product checked at the official test center. The first test center for this initiative is set to be opened later this month.

The reason the two tablets being announced today are called Toughpad, or at least the reason why the A1 is called a Toughpad, is that it’s got a 4-foot MIL-STD-810G drop rating, operating temperatures between 14 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and resistance to dust and water ingress. We’ll see about that! In addition, the A1 tablet is a massive 2.13 pounds heavy, has a stylus pen, and has front and rear-facing cameras of unnamed size. There’s a “serviceable” battery inside, and you’ve got the option of getting the tablet with access to LTE or WiMAX connectivity.

Take a peek at every other Android tablet getting smashed while the Toughpad takes all the beating a good hardcore tablet aught to:

This device (the A1) also has software encryption, custom deployment and device management that they say is not found in any other consumer tablet, dual-factor authentication, and more business-oriented safeguards that’ll keep your boss satisfied with the amount of safe their information is in the guts. Panasonic’s A1 tablet will be working with a cloud-based storefront by the name of Business AppPortal and will have a handful of vertical market apps as well as virtualization and security solutions.

There’s also the Panasonic Toughpad B1, the 7-inch version of what’s been listed here in the A1, no additional specifications about which have been listed as of yet. We can expect similar specifications, including another Marvell processor.

BONUS: Since it’s so rare we get to speak about Marvell, have a peek at an old video of a device platform made by Marvell that may well have been a lost end, but we’d be glad to see it pop up again – Kinoma. What this project consisted of was Symbian running Windows Phone, and the potential of running Android apps, vice versa, and all the way back again. Have a peek at this Mobile World Congress 2011 clip here:

Maybe we’ll see it at Mobile World Congress 2012.

There’s a redesigned grip and casing, with improved texture for easier grip, while Panasonic is also pretty proud of its customization options, including two user-configurable settings options on the mode dial, two buttons and two menu tabs that can be preset to each photographer’s most commonly used features. 12800 ISO and touch-autofocus is supported, along with the ability of the camera to reconfigure a focus-lock if the subject moves while the shutter release is half depressed.

A built-in flash is present and an optional external viewfinder supported – the tilt-shift Live View Finder DMW-LVF2, (approximately 1.4x and 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100-percent field of view) - while a dust removal system promises to keep your lens clean. An integrated level and 11-percent longer battery life than the LUMIX G3 round out the key specs.

Both black and silver versions of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 will go up for grabs in mid-December, with the body-only option priced at $699.99. There’ll also be a range of kits, including the DMC-GX1-X with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens for $949.99, while the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom will be $799.99.

That potentially makes the new LUMIX interesting even to those who aren’t really bothered by 3D stills or video. We’ve seen other cameras and camcorders capable of snapping still shots while video recording is taking place, but the still images are generally lower resolution than normal and are reliant on the same zoom/focus/exposure/etc settings of the video recording. By fitting two completely separate sensors, however, Panasonic has made it possible for independent settings for photo and video.

A dedicated 2D/3D switch on the back toggles between the modes, and there’s Panasonic’s quad-CPU Venus Engine for intelligent noise reduction and other post-processing. Continuous shooting can take place at up to 8 fps (without auto-focus) or 4 fps (with auto focus) in full resolution.  Both AVCHD and MP4 video formats are supported, with primary control via a 3.5-inch touchscreen.

Panasonic expects the LUMIX DMC-3D1 to go on sale in December, priced at $499.99.

United Continental Holdings has selected the Global Communications Suite from Panasonic Avionics Corporation for the job. The Panasonic system will be installed on the Airbus 319 and 320 as well as the Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787 aircrafts. This will allow passengers to connect their wireless devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets to the internet via the onboard hotspot.

Airlines are really stepping it up now with the connectivity. Japan Airlines recently announced adding in-flight WiFi on its US and European routes, while American Airlines is even replacing in-flight screens with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Continental has also previously revealed that it would be installing satellite-based WiFi on its more than 200 DirecTV-equipped aircrafts starting in 2012.

[via Engadget]

These screens can be used for all sorts of things from checking into signals in pre-production to performing precision color correction. The screens are large enough to get two images for display at one time allowing for simultaneous color correction of left and right 3D images.

Anytime you see reference and professional in one sentence things are going to be expensive. The 42-inch plasma screen is $3,720 and the 50-inch version is $5,215. The screens are full HD 3D ready and have slot card inputs for left and right 3D images. They have overscanning and underscanning modes and a lot more.

Meanwhile, Panasonic’s coveted plasma display production – which was previously expected to shift to Shanghai, bringing the production line equipment back up to speed – will no longer be restarted. In a dramatic move, Panasonic’s headquarters will decamp from Osaka, Japan, and move instead to Singapore.

Panasonic blamed the continued strength of the Japanese yen and sidelined demand from developed markets for the underwhelming quarter, with sales in Europe, China, Asia, Japan and the Americas all down by as much as 13-percent. However, those global figures hide some pockets of success: sales in Nigeria over the last six months have leapt 64-percent year-on-year, and in India 40-percent, excluding Sanyo-branded devices.

Nonetheless, Panasonic’s semiconductor business is floundering, with a 7.4bn yen ($94.8m) operating loss in Components and Devices “mainly due to significantly worsened profit in semiconductors.” Overall, Panasonic now estimates its 2012 full-year results will include a 420bn yen ($5.4bn) net loss.

These photos of the GX1 come from the forum by the name of Mobile01 based in Taiwan and don’t reveal one whole heck of a lot of information about the next-generation photo and video collection device. What we can see is that the camera is still quite compact, contains its own built-in flash, and will, quite obviously, be able to work with the X-series of Lumix lenses. Inside you’ll find stereo microphones, full HD video recording, and what’s said to be a complete lack of an electronic viewfinder. Wild!

There are also a few rumors floating around regarding this camera, and remember before you read that these are completely unconfirmed, but exciting: a 16 megapixel sensor, a completely new and improved image processor, and up to a massive 12,800 ISO. More than likely we’ll hear a lot more about this device inside November, early November if the stars align. Can’t wait!

[via TIMN]

Out of the box, the GH2 can record video in 24Mbit AVCHD format full HD resolution video. For some of us that is plenty of quality, but others want more. This new hack has cranked the GH2 up a bunch of notches and lets the camera record 176Mbit AVCHD Intra video. That Intra tagged onto the back is a huge change.

AVCHD grabs only some of the frames from the sensor to make the video. AVCHD Intra on the other hand will grab every frame from the sensor making video look better when played back. You can see a video below from a user going by Driftwood that was shot using the GH2 in 176Mbit AVCHD Intra and see what you think. How exactly you apply this hack isn’t mentioned in the video.

[via 43rumors]

The tablets are ruggedized to some extent with the ability to survive water, shock, and dust. The 10.1-inch tablet is able to survive drops of 120cm and the 7-inch can survive drops of 80cm. The tablets share the same replaceable battery design, have NFC readers, Bluetooth, USB ports, GPS, and a microSD card slot for storage expansion. Hardware includes an ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of flash storage, and IR.

The screen resolution for the 7-inch tablet is 1024 x 600 and it has 3G as an option. The rear camera is a 5MP unit and it sports WiFi as well. This tablet will land in Japan in December. The 10.1-inch version of the tablet is packing a 1.3MP camera, WiFi, and goes on sale in January. The larger tablet doesn’t list a 3G option. Pricing is unknown at this time.

[via Android Community]

There’s also the Sharp AQUOS 102SH, which has the same display and camera as the 104SH but pairs it with a 1GHz dual-core and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. That will drop in early December this year, complete with both CDMA and GSM connectivity for data speeds of up to 21Mbps downlink.

The Panasonic LUMIX 101P is the photographer’s phone, with a 13.2-megapixel camera packed inside an Android 2.3 handset. The display is a 4-inch qHD 960 x 540 panel, there’s IPX5/IPX7 ruggedness and all in something just 9.8mm thick. Japanese shutterbugs can expect it in mid-November.

Finally, there’s the Dell Streak Pro 101DL, and despite the Streak name implying it slots into the company’s tablet range, in fact it’s a big smartphone with a 4.3-inch qHD 960 x 540 Super AMOLED touchscreen, 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8260 processor, WiFi a/b/g/n and an 8-megapixel main camera. It’ll drop in January 2012.

No word on international availability for any of the new handsets, though that won’t stop us hoping.

[via Impress]

The update helps the lenses to perform better in tracking focus for video recording, silent auto focus, and exposure control. The stability of the optical image stabilizer is also enhanced for video recording. The lenses that are being updated will fit the entire 2011 line of G series digital cameras including the LUMIX GF3, LUMIX GF2, LUMIX GH2 and LUMIX G3.

The new firmware brings the lenses to version 1.1 and supports the following lenses:

• LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. (H-H014)
• LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042)
• LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 (H-F008)
• LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)
• LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm / F4.0 ASPH. (H-F007014)
• LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014045)
• LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS045200)

Each of the lenses are 4x optical zoom with thin, folded optics. The design of the optics allows the capturing of clear and sharp video and photos from a distance. The camera has integrated Optical Image Stabilization and works with 2D and 3D shooting. This system helps to reduce the blur associated with zooming when shooting video or taking photos.

The twin lens system also allows the camera to shoot 2D video and photos at the same time. The 3D content uses both lenses at once in a side-by-side system in AVCHD format. The camera will connect to any Viera 3D TV to shoot photos and video in 3D to the TV. The camera will land this winter and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The 3D LCD on the side is 3.5-inches and has a high 1,152,000-dot resolution and uses parallax barrier tech to provide the glasses-free 3D love. The camera has a double 3MOS system inside for superb color and detail reproduction. Each of the sensors has an effective pixel count of 6.57 MP and are mounted independently right and left inside the camera. This is what gives the 3D capability. The images recorded are full HD. The viewfinder for the camera is a 0.45-inch LVF.

The lenses on the camera are f1.5 and are ideal for shooting in low light conditions. The lenses also include a Nano Surface Coating, which is a first on a Panasonic camcorder. The coating reduces glare for better image quality. The lens is a 10x optical zoom unit in 3D and has 12x optical zoom in 2D mode. In 2D mode, the camera also offers HYBRID OIS to correct handshake and in 3D mode it has POWER OIS. The camera also features integrated mics for recording Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. There are also a pair of XLR inputs with 48-V phantom power for external mics. Video storage is to a SD card with dual slots available for longer recording times. Pricing and availability are unknown at this time.

What Panasonic has come up with here, along with about a billion other pieces of news today, if you did not know, is a performance upgrade including autofocus algorithms derived directly from Panasonic’s Light Speed autofocus system for improved AF speed. In addition to this, the upgrade will furthermore augment image stabilization with Active Mode from the sweetness of Power OIS, all this for excellence in video shooting without jumping all about.

Adjustments will be made to this camera’s auto white balance in low light, this making it easier for you to snap around in the club, if that’s you’re thing. You’ll have the ability once this update has gone through to invoke noise reduction for ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 shots. You’ll have a brand new “Miniature” effect added to your arsenal that we’re not aware of the details on at the moment. Your maximum shutter will be increased to 250 seconds. You’ll be able to adjust saturation, brightness, and warmth of your LCD as well as add EVF for a more accurate preview of color.

Panasonic lets us know that you will be able to download this firmware update starting at right around 1 AM ET on September 13th, 2011, right on over at the most hardcore update site on the internet: Panasonic.JP. Hit em up!

But it doesn’t look ultra strange as you’d expect such an innovative product to look, does it, it just looks sorta normal. Newness fills its innards, however, and the aesthetic appeal certainly is at a peak – would you mind carrying around such a device? This device will allow you to upload (should you have a connected Wi-Fi signal) photos and video to YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, and Picassa. No word at the moment on if we’ll be able to work with other online repositories for media like Google+, for example, down the line. Panasonic has also mentioned a new web photo-sharing service they’re innitiating called Lumix Club that you’ll be able to take advantage of as well.

In addition to being able to upload straight to the internet, you’ll be able to transfer photos and video using a Wi-Fi signal to your smartphones and other computers. While you’ll be able to upload content to the sites listed above right out of the box, you’ll have to download a special Panasonic app on Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android platforms if you want to transfer to your smartphone – note though that this app is completely free on each of the said platforms’ app markets.

This camera features a 5x optical zoom lens (24mm to 120mm) with a max aperture of F2.5 and the ability to capture 1080i video at 60fps. This device also features, as noted, a 3-inch touchscreen on the back that includes menu navigation, touchscreen controls, and post-shot editing tools.

This device has not had a formal date or price issued for it, but the mentioned Lumix Club portal will be launching on September 5th, 2011, so this device probably wont be far behind. A couple other Panasonic Lumix devices have also been released today including the DMC-FZ150 with a flip-out display and massive potential for zoom and speed, the Panasonic GF3X upgrade to the GF3, and the lens that makes the X. Check em all out.

Amongst a whole slew of specifications that’ll just blow your socks off, Panasonic notes that this device has both improved autofocus and tracking focus functions. The FZ150 has both a CMOS sensor and a brand new imaging engine alongside aperture-priority, full manual, and shutter-priority controls. These controls sit aside an awesomely odd assortment of automated in-camera features including filters for both photo and video as well as 3D still-image capture.

What the new processor and sensor packed into this little monster are set to do is bring you several things: your burst speed, first of all, is insanely fast at 12 fps at full 12-megapixel resolution. Next there’s the ability to record 220-fps high-speed video at 320×240 pixel resolution – intense! Then of course there’s improved HD video frame-rate capabilities as well as more high-quality low-light performance.

As far as features that set this device apart from its counterpart (by the name of FZ47,) you’ll find that this device has a big ol’ flipscreen at 3-inches that hangs out and allows you to check out the action from any direction. Then there’s lens-mounted secondary controls for all of your focus and optical-zoom settings. Finally there’s a hot shoe for your external microphones as well as your flashes.

This device will be available in late September for $500.

As you may already know, we certainly enjoy Lumix. Our review of the LUMIX DMC-GF2 should be evidence enough of that. What we’re pretty dern excited to hear about today is that the lens we spoke about in the first piece of this post will be coming out both on its own and as part of a kit which will upgrade the name of the GF3 to a much more hardcore GF3X. This camera is capable of recording 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition video in AVCHD format, is certainly one of the smallest profiles on a camera with such enticing specs, and it comes in black – and now silver as well!

In the GF3X full package deal, you get a camera and lens combination that allows you to grab Light Speed AF of approximately 0.1 second. That’s fast, man, real fast. With this combination you’re also getting POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) so you’ll be able to take high-class photos even in the lowest of light situations. Of course finally there’s the easy-to-operate zoom lever right down the side of the lens barrel along with the manual focus you’ve grown to love. All the options fitting of a cool customer of Panasonic.

The LUMIX GF3X will be available in a black body and black lens or a silver body and silver lens kits options in October 2011 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $749.99. Check out more information on the 14-42 lens in the post about the just-announced Panasonic Lumix X Series. Lots to be seen!

Both this first unit, again called the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm for short, and the second unit, the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm, are both coming out with nano surface coatings for reduction of ghosting and lens flare, and both of them with optical image stabilization. Now remember here I said “for short”, as the full names of lenses as powerful as these are prone to gigantic full names.

They read like so:

The full name for the first lens, as spoken about above, is LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042).

Th full name of the second lens, as mostly spoken about below, is LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175).

Both are massive mouthfuls to speak of, and both are made for masterpieces. This second lens, the only in the 45-175mm range, is being billed as “the world’s smallest digital interchangeable power zoom lens”. It’s got the ability work with its internal zoom motor that’ll allow you to adjust your focal length using its side-mounted rocker. What Panasonic calls this lens kit’s “Multi-Actuator Floating Inner Focus System” controls three lens groups separately and as a result, as Panasonic puts it, “achieves a reduction in both size and weight without compromising picture quality.” The rest of this kit’s specifications read like a comic book description of Iron Man’s mobile suit:

The new lens system features two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses which suppress chromatic aberration and contribute to high descriptive performance across the entire zoom range 45-175mm. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) integrated into the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. makes it easy to shoot sharp images even in low-lit situations. With improved sensitivity of the gyro sensor, the new POWER O.I.S. also suppresses large, slow movements two times more effectively** while small, fast movements are compensated for by the conventional MEGA O.I.S.

LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. contains seven aperture blades to help produce an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas even while shooting at large aperture. Adopting an inner focus system driven by a stepping motor, the lens’ superior optical design supports Light Speed AF of approximately .15 seconds and fast aperture control results in a shortened shutter time lag of approximately 20% when compared to the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.

Sound massively impressive to you? The first lens will be available as either a separate unit, all by itself for an SRP of $399.99 in October 2011 and will be compatible with the DMC-G3, the DMC-GF3, and the DMC-GF2 with a firmware upgrade. You can also get a combination of the first lens and the Lumix GF3, a combination therefor called the LUMIX GF3X, for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $749.99.

The second lens, aka the 45-175mm lens in this situation, will be available in either black or silver starting in September 2011 for an SRP of $449.99.

The S10 runs Windows 7 Pro and uses a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-2520M. Storage is to a 5400rpm HDD with 320GB of space. The machine can be fitted with 4-8GB of RAM. The 12.1-inch screen has a resolution of 1280 x 800 and is LED backlit. The screen is also treated with an anti-glare treatment.

The battery inside is good for up to 12.5 hours per charge. The integrated DVD drive is under the wrist rest and the machine weighs only three pounds despite the optical drive. Outputs include HDMI and VGA. The case is made from magnesium alloy and the rig features optional 3G connectivity and has WiFi and Bluetooth standard. It also has all the security features a business user needs like TPM and more.

A 64GB SDXC memory card (there’s SD and SDHC support too, obviously) is good for up to 88hrs of standard-definition video, while the battery in the personal media server itself is around 10hrs of active use. The 1,400 mAh pack recharges in around 4hrs, and you can hook the DY-PS10 up to your computer via USB and transfer files to a memory card directly if you prefer.

The Panasonic DY-PS10 will go on sale on September 15, priced at 14,800 yen ($191). Unfortunately it seems those of us outside of Japan may have to wait a little longer for a slice of the personal media server action. Panasonic says the DY-PS10 is currently Japan-only because of wireless restrictions.

While I and many others are hoping that most of the manufactures will more to passive 3D glasses it appears that isn’t to be. Four major companies in the 3D TV world are working together on a new collaboration for active 3D glasses called the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative and is supported by Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Xpand 3D. The goal is to standardize the glasses tech used between the four firms.

The standardization will include multiple types of IR system protocols between the 3D glasses and displays. The standardization will include the protocols used by all four of the firms today. The end result will be the introduction of universal 3D glasses along with greater freedom of movement for the user thanks to using Bluetooth connectivity. This also seems like a move to keep active 3D glasses that cost more at the forefront of 3D rather than cheap passive offerings.

The new projector is the first 3D unit in the world to use transparent LCD panels at 480Hz with the Panasonic overdrive tech to reduce cross talk and improve photo quality. Other than being the first to use these LCD panels, the new projector also has some cool features like a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness. The unit also has three HDMI inputs and can throw a 120-inch image from 11-feet away.

The projector has a new 200W red-rich lamp and a larger aperture ratio in the LCD panels for increased red luminance and brightness. The projector also makes use of Panasonic Pure Contrast Plates, Pure Color Filter Pro and Dynamic Iris Pro. The projector will hit Japan in September through authorized dealers at $3,499.

[via Panasonic]

It also packs face detection and intelligent scene selection, switching between Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Macro shooting modes automatically. The Panasonic LUMIX LS5 is expected to go on sale in November this year, in black, with pricing announced closer to the time.

As for the LUMIX FZ47, that has a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor that can shoot 1080p AVCHD Full HD video, crunched through Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor. While the optical zoom offers 24x magnification, thanks to that processor it can be fettled up to 32x using digital enhancement. 3.7fps continuous shooting at full resolution is supported (or 10fps if you scale down to 3-megapixels) and the camera start-up time is slimmed down by 35-percent compared to previous Panasonic digicams.

Simultaneous video recording and 3.5-megapixel still capture is possible, and there’s a “Creative Video” mode allowing for manual adjustment of shutter speed and aperture, plus the expected filters and effects. Optical image stabilization, face recognition and Panasonic’s iA “intelligent auto” mode are all present, together with a 3D photo system. On the back is a 3-inch 460k-dot preview display.

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 will go on sale in August, priced at $399.99.

Panasonic says that the tablet is perfect for mobile GIS and CAD users and can be used to run diagnostic tools as well. The machine has 2GB of RAM and can be fitted with up to 8GB of RAM. It has a 160GB HDD standard for storage and an optional 128GB SSD. The tablet is designed for users that need to multitask when holding the device with one hand.

It weighs 1.58kg, has a fanless design, and can be purchased with a dual touch screen with a digitizer and touchscreen as well. The screen is 10.1-inches wide and uses Panasonic Transreflective tech that allows it to operate with no backlight in bright environments. It can also be fitted with an optional 2MP camera. The rig has a battery good for 6.5 hours and the battery is hot swappable. The tablet will launch this month starting at €2119.

The camcorder will be used to document the ISS in 3D and the astronauts will use the camcorder to document several experiments that are being performed on the ISS. I wonder if the footage that is recorded with the camera will be offered in 3D for us to view after the mission. I also wonder if the astronauts will be forced to allow the camera to burn up on reentry rather than bring it back to Earth, as is often the fate of camera gear that goes into space.

Panasonic isn’t the only electronic firm shooting a gadget into space. Samsung is also sending the Nexus S into space as well. The smartphone will be used on little satellites the astronauts use called SPHERES.

“Panasonic is delighted that the 3DA1 3D camcorder is playing a vital role in documenting this momentous NASA mission,” said John Baisley, Executive Vice President, Panasonic Solutions Company. “Human spaceflight is about the discovery of new things and places. The amazing 3D images that the 3DA1 produces may allow a new and unique view of the exploration of space for many applications.

The new Toughbook C1 gets a speed and performance boost with a new Intel Core i5 2520M vPro processor, a 2.5GHz CPU with Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz. Hard drive storage has been bumped up to 320GB, RAM is 2GB and expandable to 8GB, while battery life is now up to 12 hours with the use of an optional second battery. Also, boot up time is now 30 percent faster than before.

Other features include Bluetooth 2.1 support, Wi-Fi, and optional 3G connectivity. The new Toughbook C1 weighs only 3.28lbs and has a special triple-hinge design along with a hands-free ergonomic strap and dome cradle. It can withstand drops from 30″ off the ground and has a spill-resistant keyboard that protects again up to 6 ounces of liquids. The 12.1-inch widescreen is WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution that’s available in multi-touch and digitizer screen or gloved multi-touch. Anti-glare treatment is also available.

The new Toughbook C1 will be availabe in July with a price starting at $2,599. It comes with a full three-year limited warranty including parts and labor.

The HP TouchPad ended up on video again showing off what you can expect from the WebOS tablet when it lands. The entry-level 16GB version is supposed to be $499.99. The Facebook IPO is expected to happen this fall and some think that the IPO could top $100 billion. That is a lot of money for the social networks valuation and the firm already has 500 private investors.

The next version of the iPhone is said to be in the final stages of testing and set for a September launch. We are still wondering if the Verizon version will get LTE support or not. Chris put up his review of the HTC ChaCha Facebook smartphone. He figures the Facebook button has little purpose in this iteration.

The unlocked iPhone 4 landed for sale in the US this week. The device is priced from $649 making it quite expensive. Apple settled the Nokia patent battle last week and ended up paying licensing fees to Nokia. Apple will also pay ongoing royalties as well.

Sources claimed that a new MacBook Air would be landing this month. The machines are expected to get Intel Sandy Bridge processors. According to a report this week it might coast as much as $1.3 billion a year to run iTunes. That number breaks down to $113 million monthly.

Devs are claiming that the coming Nintendo Wii U is 50% more powerful than a PS3 or Xbox 360. It had better be good; Nintendo is hurting right now and needs a popular product. An artist took a bunch of old computer parts and used them to build a room. The finished product looks interesting and a bit creepy.

Game devs are claiming that the Xbox 720 will debut at E3 2012. The name of the console is said to be sort of a working title and the hardware is yet to be confirmed. The JVC Kaboom boombox landed this week looking like the 80′s. The device has an iPhone and iPod dock on the front.

Nintendo confirmed that the Wii lacks the ability to play Blu-ray or DVD movies. I think that is something that any modern console should include. HTC went back on the statement made earlier in the week that the Desire would get no Gingerbread update. After a huge backlash HTC put the Gingerbread update back on the map.

I wondered at the time HTC said Gingerbread was coming back how they would fit it in since the citied lack of storage as the reason to skip it originally. HTC came back and said it would drop apps to fit Gingerbread. YouTube gave the Nyan Cat video its own Nyan Cat custom load bar. It’s cool for sure, but Davies was unable to explain to me the point of Nyan Cat, apparently, I am too American.

Lenovo confirmed that it’s ThinkPad Honeycomb tablet would be landing in August. The K1 tablet has a Tegra dual-core and lots more. The Call of Duty: Black Ops Annihilation Map Pack will hit Xbox Live later this month. The pack will bring four new multiplayer maps and a new zombie map.

The Palm/HP Pre 3 has been pegged to launch in the UK on July 8. The tip comes from Play.com and the smartphone has decent specifications for people that like WebOS. Panasonic announced a new ToughBook Android tablet that will be coming this year. The tablet will have a 10.1-inch screen, active stylus, GPS, and optional 3G/4G connectivity.

Apple changed its complaint in the patent battle with Samsung adding more products. Apple also worded the complaint more strongly and is going after Samsung with more verve. We put up our review of the HTC Evo 3D smartphone. Cory figures the new smartphone is a worthy update from the original Evo. Thanks for reading, see you next time!

The Toughbook tablet wont be the thinnest or prettiest tablet you’ll see. For that, there’s the good old iPad 2 and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. This rugged tablet is built to withstand harsh conditions in the field such as on construction sites or for military deployment and comes with built-in enterprise-level security.

It features a 10.1-inch XGA (1024 x 768) touchscreen display that’s matte for easy viewing in daylight. It also comes with an active stylus, GPS, and optional 3G/4G connectivity. Other details and specs have not been disclosed yet and its not certain which version of Android it will be running. However, the tablet is scheduled for a release during the fourth quarter of this year.

[via Unwired View]

LUMIX GF series lovers had already seen one iteration of arguably unwelcome changes in the transition from the original GF1 – which had a manual mode dial, non-touch display and plenty of physical buttons – to its successor, the GF2. That ditched many of the buttons for a 3-inch touchscreen, allowing Panasonic to make the camera even smaller.

As a result, we found the GF2 to be even more approachable for entry-level users in our review, though requiring more menu-digging than proficient photographers might find comfortable. The GF3 has gone one step further, however, with no hot-shoe that means Panasonic’s official electronic viewfinder (EVF) and aftermarket flash units can’t be mounted.

According to Kitao, while there’s no public timescale for the release of the enthusiasts’ GF camera, Panasonic will also be working on an updated EVF to go with it. The company hopes to address some of the common criticisms of such units and make them more popular; many photographers have found that EVFs preview less than 100-percent of the full frame, and run at too low a resolution to be entirely useful. Kitao says Panasonic is working with Epson to improve both resolution and refresh rate.

However, Panasonic’s priority right now is a replacement for the LUMIX GH2, which dates back to September 2010. The GH series is the company’s “premier camera line” he suggests, and Panasonic is looking to keep it competitive against the larger sensors in APS-C format cameras.

In fact the only thing you do lose is the hot-shoe – the flash has shuffled across to replace it atop the lens – and so there’ll be no playing with Panasonic’s external viewfinder. Still, the GF3 is intended more as a step-up from your old point-and-shoot, with ISO 160 to 6400 support, a 0.18 second Contrast AF system and an even faster 0.1 second Light Speed AF system that boosts the sensor’s drive speed to 120fps. For macro shots, a Pinpoint AF system uses the touchscreen for easier focal-point selection.

There’s also AF Tracking, user-adjustable autofocus area, a virtual mode dial, continuous autofocus while video recording, integrated effects like Miniature Effect (for faux tilt-shift shots) and HDR, and the boosted iA Plus system which not only preconfigures the basic settings to the most likely preference for the current scene, but throws in defocussing around subject’s faces, exposure compensation and other arty tweaks.

The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 will go on sale in July, in black, white, red or brown, as a kit with the 14mm lens for $699.99. It’ll be followed in August as a kit with the 14-42mm lens, for $599.99.

Press Release:

Panasonic Unveils the LUMIX GF3, the Company’s Smallest and Lightest Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera With a Built-In Flash*

The LUMIX GF3 Body Weighs Just 7.83oz and Produces High-Quality Photos, Full-HD Video Recording Capabilities and Smart Touch-Screen Controls

SECAUCUS, N.J., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Panasonic today announces its latest compact system camera (CSC), the mirror-free Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF3 is the company’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a built-in flash(*1), with its body size comparable to that of a smartphone and weighing just 7.83oz (body only), less than a standard 8oz cup of coffee. The Panasonic’s LUMIX GF3 realizes all the features desired from a traditional DSLR interchangeable lens camera, only it accomplishes them in an ultra-compact body that is lightweight and simple to master.

This remarkable reduction in size and weight is thanks to advancements in new mirror-free camera technology, and large DSLR format sensors that are more compatible with a new class of compact Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System lenses. This new class of Compact System Cameras offers a weight and compactness not seen in traditional DSLRs, yielding greater portability and creative control. The DMC-GF3′s image quality comes from a large DSLR-sized 12.1-megapixel sensor and newly advanced image processing technologies.
The LUMIX GF3 digital camera is based on the Micro Four Thirds standard of lenses, which includes Panasonic’s 3D lens, thus the LUMIX GF3 not only provides outstanding still photos, full-High Definition 1080/60i video, but is also capable of shooting 3D still photos.
The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 produces high-quality photos with true-to-life details, thanks to excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens options; and extremely precise Auto Focus (AF). Plus, the LUMIX GF3 creates the right balance between resolution and noise reduction, thus producing life-like images with accurate auto exposure and white balance, creating rich colors. Taking a page from the renowned LUMIX GH2′s image quality, the LUMIX GF3 boasts full sized DSLR like Image quality thanks the same Venus Engine FHD image processor. The Venus Engine FHD image processor makes impressive low noise images from its 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor. Notably, images shot in low-lit situations at high ISO sensitivity setting, are stunningly clear with extremely sharp resolution. The image processor also excels in energy consumption by extending the battery life, despite its smaller size.
Thanks to a new mount, the LUMIX GF3 is approximately 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter than its predecessor, the LUMIX GF2. Despite its small size and unlike many CSC cameras in this class, the LUMIX GF3 still maintains a built-in flash and features a new pop-up mechanism that helps prevent the vignetting effect due to short distances between the flash unit and the interchangeable lens. With a newly-designed aluminum body that incorporates an ergonomic grip, and a well-designed control dial combined with a 3-inch touch enabled screen, the LUMIX GF3 is extremely intuitive and easy to use.
“The Panasonic GF3 compact system camera is extremely small and its newly-designed rounded body is quite attractive, which we expect to be popular among those users wanting to step-up from a point-and-shoot, yet who view traditional DSLRs as bulky and overly complex,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “While the size and weight of the GF3 has been greatly reduced, Panasonic does not compromise what is at the core of every LUMIX, which is exceptional photo and video quality with an easy-to-use interface.”
All models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of digital cameras feature Contrast AF for their focus system, as opposed to phase-difference AF systems, used in traditional DSLRs, which is susceptible to a mechanical margin of focus errors at wide apertures. With a Contrast AF system, focusing is controlled by the image sensor so that mechanical margin of error is reduced to achieve precise focusing, thus boosting higher number of in focus shots, especially when shooting in low light with wide open lens aperture. As a result, when the LUMIX GF3 is used with Panasonic’s new wide aperture interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH, also announced today, the performance of the Contrast AF system is optimally maximized.
The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 features a high-speed and extremely precise Contrast AF system that locks in approximately 0.18 seconds. Taking further advantage of Contrast AF, the LUMIX GF3 incorporates full-area focusing which makes it possible to set focus on any point in the field- of-view. The LUMIX GF3 also features Light Speed AF, an extremely fast AF which measures at approximately 0.1 seconds(*2), which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the sensors drive speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. With the combination of touch-control shooting, focusing on close up macro or still life objects is evermore quick and accurate thanks to the newly adopted Pinpoint AF that unlike a DSLR, offers near pixel level touch control focusing.
Manual control over focus is available in the DMC-GF3 and now features a quick 4x magnification feature. By simply touching the subject, that subject is then enlarged in a small window, allowing you to keep the rest of the image in view as a framing reference. Beyond 4x, that small window fills the monitor so even more control over focus fine-tuning can be achieved. This handy feature is available from both the MF (Manual Focus) Assist and AF + MF focus modes.
At the heart of the LUMIX GF3′s simplified functionality is a large 3.0-inch touch enabled LCD (460k- dot) that allows for intuitive touch control of menus and most shooting, focusing, playback and effects controls. Menus can be customized using simple drag-and-drop actions similar to those on some touch-enabled smartphones. This allows for a custom user interface, giving Quick Menu access to functions that can be tailored to any user’s expertise level. Users can also release the shutter using the touch-screen. Once locked onto a subject, the LUMIX GF3 tracks the subject with the AF Tracking feature and another touch allows the user to select the size of the AF area. In addition, Pinpoint AF function allows even more precise focus setting by further enlarging the focusing area. With increased customization, users can set the touch shutter and touch AF ON/OFF based on their preference. Touch-control also makes playback of photos and videos easy to flip through like pages in a book.
For those who miss the tactile feel of a traditional DSLR mode dial, the DMC-GF3 offers an innovative mode thumb wheel that quickly cycles though all available modes with visual feedback provided on the large 3” touch-enabled LCD.
The LUMIX GF3 records 1920 x 1080 full-HD video in the AVCHD format, which features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A dedicated video record button on the top lets users instantly start recording video, without having to hassle with any menu settings. The LUMIX GF3 allows for Touch AF in video recording, enabling professional-like features, such as rack focusing. For instance, by touching the subject on the screen, the focus is shifted to the subject.
Contributing to its ease-of-use, the LUMIX GF3 features Panasonic’s acclaimed iA(*3) (Intelligent Auto) mode – and the new advanced iA Plus mode – are automatically engaged once the iA button is pressed, helping to make shooting video and photos with the LUMIX GF3 extremely simple – even to users new to compact system cameras. Panasonic’s iA features include MEGA O.I.S. (included in several lenses), Intelligent ISO Control, and Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Resolution. With the new iA Plus mode, the LUMIX GF3 easily enables commonly desired manual enhancements not available from standard camera auto modes such as peripheries defocusing around faces, exposure compensation, and color balance adjustments which are visually adjusted by moving an on screen slider with the user’s finger or the thumb wheel.
The LUMIX GF3, like all CSCs in the Panasonic LUMIX G Series, is equipped with a highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. In some system cameras, if dust or other foreign matter gets inside the digital camera while the lenses are being changed, it’s possible that the debris could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. However, the Panasonic Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically approximately 50,000 times per second – thus repelling dust and other particles from the LUMIX GF3′s sensor.
Two modes – Photo Style and Creative Control – let users at any skill level get creative with their photos. With Creative Control, the user can choose the most-frequently-used color modes (Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic and newly added Miniature Effect(*4) mode) with easy access. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized so the photos look like a diorama. The Photo Style mode revitalizes the conventional film mode with settings in Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction.
The LUMIX GF3, like all the CSC in the LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, is compatible with other Micro Four Thirds lenses and the full sized Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adaptor. Other accessories available to the LUMIX G Series include external flashes, PL and ND filters, leather cases, straps, and more. The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 will be available in black, white, red and brown bodies for a suggested retail prices of $699.99 with the 14mm lens kit system starting in July 2011, and $599.99 with the 14-42mm lens kit system starting in late August 2011; and. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX G Series compact system cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*1 For an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash as of June 13, 2011
*2 Approximately 0.1 sec with LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S., approx. 0.18 sec with LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. and with LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S..
*3 Some functions in iA mode may be unavailable depending on the lens that is mounted
*4 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long).
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
* Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
* The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
* All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
* This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them.

Cheapest is the HM-TA2, at $169.99, with Full HD MPEG-4 AVC recording, a 3-inch touchscreen, Night View Mode, integrated USB plug and webcam mode. The HMT-TA20 is $199.99, and adds 10 ft waterproofing, 5 ft drop resilience and dust protection.

Then there’s the HX-WA10, a $349.99 Xacti-style camcorder – which we’ve seen before, but with a higher price – that offers Full HD video, 10 ft waterproofing, 16-megapixel stills (or 2-megapixel stills while simultaneously recording video) and a 5x optical zoom. The $279.99 HX-DC10 has the same core specs but is not waterproof, while the $199.99 HX-DC1 shoots 14-megapixel stills.

The WA10 and DC10 both have Backside Illumination sensors for improved low-light performance. All five will go on sale in July 2011.

Press Release:

PANASONIC ANNOUCES PRICING FOR ITS NEWEST STYLISH DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURING BEAUTY RETOUCH, THE LUMIX FH7

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 9, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its new 16.1-megapixel digital camera, the LUMIX DMC–FH7, which will be available in early-July 2011 for a suggested retail price of $179.99. The LUMIX FH7, available in black, features an incredibly slim and stylish design, making this new digital camera easy to carry, and with intuitive touch-controls via a 3-inch Smart Touch Screen, it is also easy to use.

The LUMIX FH7‘s Smart Touch Screen allows users to enable Touch Auto Focus (AF), Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter and Intelligent Scene Selector simply by touching the screen. The LUMIX FH7 also features three modes that gives users creative control by manually (with a touch of a finger) editing their photos on the digital camera. These modes include: Beauty Retouch – allows users to retouch faces; Esthetic – creates effects on faces such as clearing skin texture and whitening teeth and Makeup – gives color options such as foundation, eye-shadow or coloring for the lips and cheeks.

While the LUMIX FH7 is a stylish standout, it does not compromise on performance. It features Leica DC lenses with an impressive 4x optical zoom, High Definition video recording-capabilities that record 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps and Panasonic’s iA technology – making shooting photos and videos simple and intuitive – while still producing vivid and beautiful images Additionally, it features the LUMIX Image Uploader, with which you can instantly share images via Facebook© and video via YouTube™ when the digital camera is connected to a computer or the SD Memory Card is inserted.

Furthermore, the Panasonic LUMIX FH7 encompasses Panasonic’s Venus Engine VI image processor, which automatically detects outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation that results in naturally clear images. The multitasking Venus Engine VI also supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is incredibly quick, at approximately 0.006 second and its quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. For more information on all Panasonic’s LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

Press Release:

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ITS MOBILE CAMERAS AND DUAL CAMERAS – ALL AVAILABLE IN EARLY JULY 2011

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 9, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its new full-High Definition*1 (HD) mobile cameras, the HM-TA20, HM-TA2 and its new dual cameras, the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1. All five new models will be available in early July 2011 for the following suggested retail prices: $199.99 for the HMT-TA20; $169.99 for the HM-TA2; $349.99 for the HX-WA10; $279.99 for the HX-DC10; and $199.99 for the HX-DC1.

The HM-TA20 is a full-HD mobile camera, which has a rugged design that is waterproof to approximately 10 feet, shockproof to approximately 5 feet and dustproof*2 and with the Night View Mode – it shoots exceptional video and photos, even in low-lighting. The Panasonic HM-TA20’s small and compact size, combined with tough exterior, make this the ultimate video camera when it comes to portability. Plus, with a large, 3.0-inch Touch LCD, the HM-TA20 is easy and intuitive to use.

The Panasonic HM-TA20 shoots in full-HD 1920 x 1080 video, and records in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for editing images with a computer and uploading files to the Internet. The HM-TA20 includes an integrated USB terminal in its compact body and after editing images within the camera, the user simply connects the camera to a computer and the built-in software, which must be installed first, will then always launch automatically upon connection. The HM-TA20 can also be used as a web camera, for online video chatting. Additionally, extended voice recording is also possible, for recording and storing sounds.

The Panasonic HM-TA2, is also a compact and mobile camera with the same features as the HM-TA20, except it is not waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Like the HM-TA20, the HM-TA2 features the Night View Mode, a large 3.0-inch LCD for easy and intuitive Touch Operation for controls such as, play, record, stop, zoom, and also settings such as edit – all accessible with the touch of a finger.

The three new Dual Cameras, the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1, all of which have an easy-to-hold vertical design, making it easy and seamless to shoot full-HD videos (1920 x 1080) or photos – without having to switch between the two settings as there are separate video/photo capture buttons. The HX-WA10 is waterproof down to approximately 10 feet*3 making it extremely versatile, and the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 models include Panasonic’s Backside Illumination (BSI) technology, which allows for optimal shooting in dimly-lit conditions.

Panasonic’s three new Dual Camera models record video in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for uploading images to the Internet or editing on a computer. Beyond the full-HD video capabilities, the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 also offer 16-megapixel still photos, while the HX-DC1 takes 14-megapixel photos – resulting in high-quality images. All three models can take 2-megapixel still photos while shooting full-HD videos. Despite being compact in size, all three models have a powerful 5x optical zoom, giving the user more range when shooting video and photos.

For more information, please visit, www.panasonic.com.

It certainly looks like Panasonic has shrunk the its third-gen GF series camera down even more, with the standard micro-4/3 mount now being taller than the body of the camera itself. The GF2 ditched 19-percent of its predecessor’s bulk, and it seems even that has gone on a diet to create the GF3.

Control is via touchscreen, as Panasonic sheers away more physical controls, and there’s no hotshoe since it apparently can’t be accommodated by the curved top of the camera. That presumably means no compatibility with Panasonic’s digital viewfinder accessory, as the company attempts to push the GF3 further into the consumer range and take on generic point-and-shoots.

The sensor itself is believed to be the same 16-megapixel unit as in the Panasonic G3, though other specifications are unknown. We’ll have to wait until June 13, apparently Panasonic’s launch date for the Lumix GF3, to find out more.

[via Gizmodo]